The Taif Summer Race Night returns this Saturday, September 13, at the picturesque King Khalid Racecourse for its 16th meeting of the season. Set against the cool mountain backdrop of Taif, the evening will feature ten competitive contests under the lights, combining local-bred challenges with high-class international-bred encounters. With free admission, live music, and food stalls, the event offers not just top-tier racing but also a festive community atmosphere, cementing its place as a summer highlight in Saudi Arabia’s racing calendar.
Race 1: The Local Bred Handicap 0–60
Start Time: 03:40pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 1200m
Prize Money: SAR 65,000
The evening will kick off with a cracking 1,200-metre sprint for locally bred older horses. Bint Wajhah  will shoulder top weight and will be watched closely for early speed, while Moscow and Remaal Almogtarrah will provide strong opposition. Expect Salute Song, Dah’haaqah and Zami to inject experience into what will be a hotly contested handicap; the large field promises a frantic early tempo.
Race 2: The Local Bred Fillies Who Won 0–2
Start Time: 04:10pm
Category: NH SH 2YO Filly
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 50,000
A testing 1,400-metre examination of juvenile fillies will follow. Hazyah is the one to watch on paper with an early rating showing promise, while Ana Aljonubiyah and Madarat will look to challenge for the lead. With Ibtehaji and Mohkamh wearing head-gear, connections will hope for sharpened performances , the size of the field means tactical speed and a clean passage will be decisive.
Race 3: The Local Bred Maiden
Start Time: 04:35pm
Category: NH SH 2YO Colt/Gelding/Filly
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 40,000
The maiden will present first-time or lightly raced juveniles seeking breakthroughs. Aalei Sultan and Aldor Alnafis will attract market support, and fillies such as Alnajmah Alwafiyah and Aseel Almoghtarah could upset the established order if they handle the distance. Trainers will look for promising lessons here as Taif’s dirt track unveils new talent.
Race 4: The Open Race
Start Time: 05:00pm
Category: NH SH 3YO
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 85,000
An open three-year-old contest will step up the class. Riyadh Central will head the weights and will be expected to set a standard, but he will meet stern tests from Jemer, Fajhan and a clutch of international-bred challengers including Por Suerte and Safeer Jean. This one-mile sprint will reveal which three-year-olds are ready to carry form forward through the season.
Race 5: The Open race
Start Time: 05:30pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 1400m
Prize Money: SAR 120,000
The evening’s early feature will bring older, proven performers to the fore. Salam Alkhair, rated amongst the top on the card, will be the headline name, with Uncle and Ajwadi set to provide royal-blue rivalry. E J Won The Cup, Saaden and Expressionist are eye-catching inclusions in a field stacked with speed and experience, this 1,400-metre test will demand both pace and tactical nous.
Race 6: The Local Bred Handicap 0–65
Start Time: 05:55pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 1600m
Prize Money: SAR 75,000
A mile handicap for local-bred runners will reward stamina and positioning. Abou Nada, Aldaflah and Alrahawee will carry the notable weights and will be expected to factor prominently, while Ana Alshiekhah and Alshareed may relish the extra distance. With an evenly matched line-up, finishers with a strong late turn of foot will hold the advantage.
Race 7: The Arabian Handicap 0–65
Start Time: 06:20pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 1600m
Prize Money: SAR 75,000
The Arabian division will stage its own tactical tussle over a mile. Jalmood, with cheek pieces, and Ballade Al Maury will form the core of pre-race discussion, while French-bred imports such as Loka Des Vialettes and Dagui Lotois will aim to bring international class. This race will test Arabian stamina at a useful mid-card hour.
Race 8: The Local Bred Open
Start Time: 06:50pm
Category: NH SH 3YO
Distance: 2000m
Prize Money: SAR 85,000
Three-year-olds will step up to 2,000 metres in a race that will emphasise stayers and those who handle a true trip. Khaleedo and Wanaameen will look to exploit their stamina, while Baed Qaasee and Dhal’ae Alhejaz will be hoped to produce late runs. The longer distance will expose potential for middle-distance prospects to mark themselves for autumn assignments.
Race 9: The Handicap 0–90
Start Time: 07:15pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 2000m
Prize Money: SAR 95,000
A deep staying handicap will follow, with Iron Lion (62) and Enrico Caruso expected to headline the ratings. Painters Palette and Western City add proven middle-distance form, and a clutch of consistent performers including Tell Me All, Desert Jewel and Marzouk will make this a tactical affair where patience and timing will be rewarded.
Race 10: The Arabian Handicap 0–100
Start Time: 07:45pm
Category: NH SH 4YO+ All
Distance: 2000m
Prize Money: SAR 100,000
The night will close with a top-level Arabian test over two kilometres. Khateer Alkhalediah, carrying the top rating, will be the standout on paper, but Firdaws, Samedea Athbah and Tarwa Madison will present genuine threats. International challengers such as Joy De Montegut and Al Suweida will add depth, the stamina-laden finale will provide a fitting curtain to an action-packed meeting.
As the floodlights fall across the home straight, King Khalid Racecourse will offer more than competitive racing: it will stage a summer festival of food, music and hospitality. With free general admission and private suites available, Saturday’s program will blend sporting drama and family entertainment, and each race will promise a storyline to follow through the Taif night.
For more updates on horse racing, results and race days, stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
